What Would I Do?

Occupational Therapists assist individuals or groups of people in all age groups, from infants and toddlers to the elderly. They help mentally, emotionally, and physically disabled patients become self-sufficient in leading independent, productive, and satisfying lives. They frequently work with other health care professionals to develop therapy plans that include educational, vocational, and rehabilitative activities. Therapists must consider the type of developmental delay, injury, or mental deficiency so that rehabilitation goals are realistic and meet the patient’s physical and psychological needs. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable patients to gain confidence, to adapt to or overcome their particular handicap, and to use their time in rewarding ways.

Occupational Therapists assist patients with all types of activities, from operating a computer to taking care of daily needs, such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and eating. Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while other activities may be chosen to improve vision or increase the ability to recognize patterns. Occupational Therapists also use computer programs to help patients improve their decision-making, abstract-reasoning, problem-solving, and perceptual skills. Memory and coordination exercises may also be taught. Therapists also instruct those with permanent disabilities to use adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs and aids for eating and dressing.

Some Occupational Therapists assist individuals who have difficulty functioning in their work environment. Therapists help their clients seek or maintain employment or plan work activities. They evaluate the client's workspace and collaborate with employers to modify the work environment so that the client can successfully work.

Therapists use computer or word processing software to write evaluations and progress reports. They typically use medical software to track the client’s progress and to update the treating physician. Therapists attend meetings, mentor students, and give presentations to health care providers and the general public. They may teach occupational therapy in college or university programs or conduct research. Some supervise other Occupational Therapists, certified occupational assistants, occupational therapy aides, or activity leaders. Occupational Therapists may also manage their own non-profit agency or own their own private practice.

Important Tasks and Related Skills

Each task below is matched to a sample skill required to carry out the task.

Plan, organize, and conduct occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community settings to help rehabilitate those impaired because of illness, injury or psychological or developmental problems.

Skill Definitions

Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Psychology

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Instructing

Teaching others how to do something.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Working Conditions

Occupational Therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, public schools, mental health facilities, convalescent homes, home health agencies, physician offices, and in private practice settings. They may work with specific therapeutic machines and tools or at the patient’s bedside. Therapists may travel to clients' homes.

Occupational Therapists usually work a 40-hour week; however, many jobs are part-time, per diem (per day), or on-call. Overtime work may also be required depending on the employer.

The work of a Therapist can be tiring because they spend most of their workday on their feet. They need physical strength and stamina and should follow safety measures to avoid risk of injury when lifting and moving patients or equipment. Therapists must be able to cope with human suffering and frequent emergencies.

There has been little or no unionization of Occupational Therapists. However, those who work for the State of California may join the Service Employees International Union. Occupational Therapists may belong to professional organizations, such as the Occupational Therapy Association of California, the American Occupational Therapy Association, or any of the numerous specialized groups, such as those for hand therapists.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of Occupational Therapist will appeal to those who enjoy activities that involve assisting others and promoting learning and personal development. This occupation often involves teaching, offering advice, and being of service to people.

Occupational Therapists must have respect for individual differences and the ability to work closely with others. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs are assets. Therapists must be able to communicate, inspire trust and confidence, and motivate their patients. They also need to be patient because many clients may not show rapid improvement. In addition, treatment may be extensive, intense, and even painful, so Therapists need to be compassionate and have a good understanding of their client's needs.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

Wages

The median wage in 2016 for Occupational Therapists in California is $92,999 annually, or $44.71 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Benefits

Benefits generally include medical, dental, life, and vision insurance as well as vacation, sick leave, and retirement plans. Occupational Therapists who are self-employed must provide for their own benefits and retirement.

What is the Job Outlook?

The overall outlook for Occupational Therapists in California is good. The increase in the aging population will mean greater demand for Therapists. These people are at a greater risk for disease or injury-related disabilities that can often be helped by therapeutic intervention. Innovative health care and surgeries that are more sophisticated will result in patients surviving what was formerly fatal trauma. These patients are in greater need of rehabilitation after they are released from the hospital.

Projections of Employment

In California, the number of Occupational Therapists is expected to grow faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Occupational Therapists are expected to increase by 22.3 percent, or 2,300 jobs between 2014 and 2024.

Annual Job Openings

In California, an average of 230 new job openings per year is expected for Occupational Therapists, plus an additional 200 job openings due to net replacement needs, resulting in a total of 430 job openings.

How Do I Qualify?

Education, Training, and Other Requirements

Occupational Therapists must be licensed to practice in California by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Occupational Therapy. To meet licensure requirements, the applicant must:

Be at least 18 years old.

Have no felony convictions.

Have completed a master's or a doctorate degree in occupational therapy from an institution accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Have completed a minimum of 960 hours of supervised fieldwork experience.

Have successfully passed an entry-level certification examination administered by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Have passed a fingerprint background check.

Coursework in occupational therapy programs include the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as the application of occupational therapy theory and skills.

Experience

Recent graduates who have a limited permit, and who are waiting to take the NBCOT certification examination for licensure, may work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. To qualify for a limited permit, the graduate must apply for the NBCOT certification examination within four months of completing their education and fieldwork requirements. They must also have an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from NBCOT for licensure/certification and have passed their fingerprint background check.

Early Career Planning

High school preparation courses in biology, physics, chemistry, health, art, social science, psychology, industrial arts, and consumer science are recommended. Gaining exposure to the occupational therapy profession can help a student become a competitive applicant. Therefore, students are encouraged to volunteer, intern, or take a summer job in a health care setting.

Continuing Education

Occupational Therapists must renew their licenses every two years by certifying that they have completed 24 professional development units (PDU) of continuing education. There are a variety of ways Therapists can earn PDUs. For instance, they can participate in a special interest, mentoring, or study group. They can supervise the fieldwork of other students. Therapists can also publish an article in a professional publication, a chapter in a textbook, or conduct presentations at seminars, workshops, or conferences.

Licensing and Certification

The California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Occupational Therapy licenses this occupation. Licenses must be renewed every two years. Contact the agency that issues the license for additional information. Click on the license title below for details.

Occupational Therapists may hold one or several certificates, such as Certified Hand Therapist, Credentialed Pain Practitioner, Gerontology, or Mental Health. Some employers may require them to have certificates in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and Basic or Advanced Life Support. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career InfoNet Web site and scroll down to "Career Tools." Click on "Certification Finder" and follow the instructions to locate certification programs.

Where Can I Find Training?

There are two ways to search for training information:

Search by Field of Study to find what programs are available and what schools offer those programs. You may use keywords such as: Occupational or Occupational Therapy.

Finding a Job

Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Applicants can also find employment opportunities through placement offices at colleges and universities. Those working within the industry may recommend an interested candidate for jobs. Newspaper classified ads and the Internet provide additional sources for job listings. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBSSM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

Yellow Page Headings

You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Occupational Therapists.

Clinics

Community Care Facilities

Counseling Services

Hospitals

Mental Health Services

Nursing and Convalescent Homes

Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals

Psychotherapists

Residential Care Facilities

Find Possible Employers

To locate a list of employers in your area, go to "Find Employers" on the Labor Market Information Web site:

Select one of the top industries that employ the occupation. This will give you a list of employers in that industry in your area.

Click on an employer for the street address, telephone number, size of business, Web site, etc.

Contact the employer for possible employment.

Where Could This Job Lead?

With additional education and experience, Occupational Therapists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. They can also advance by specializing in a clinical area, such as gerontology, mental health, pediatrics, or physical rehabilitation. Therapists may teach occupational therapy in colleges and universities, conduct research, or consult for health or social services agencies. Some may go into private practice.

Related Occupations

Below is a list of occupations related to Occupational Therapists with links to more information.

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